About the reforms
We are working with state and territory governments to build stronger protections and improve patient safety for people undergoing cosmetic surgery in Australia.
Health Ministers have agreed to urgent reforms to protect the public. This will ensure that medical practitioners who provide cosmetic procedures are qualified and work to the highest health and safety standards.
More information will be available as reforms progress.
Goals
These reforms aim to:
- prevent medical practitioners from using the title “surgeon” without the appropriate qualifications
- develop an ‘Area of Practice’ endorsement to set the minimum skills and qualifications for medical practitioners performing complex cosmetic procedures
- review licensing standards for facilities where cosmetic surgery occurs
- support a legislative ban on medical practitioners using patient testimonials for cosmetic surgery, including on social media.
Who we work with
Health Ministers have tasked the Medical Board of Australia (MBA), the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) with reform projects.
Learn more
Health Ministers’ Meeting – Communique 24 February 2023
Health Ministers and Health Chief Executives met in Canberra to discuss priorities for the Australian health system.
Health Ministers’ Meeting – Communique 14 December 2022
Health Ministers from all Australian governments met today to discuss a range of issues, including cosmetic surgery reforms, primary care and COVID-19 case numbers.
Health Ministers’ Meeting – Statement on cosmetic surgery 2 September 2022
Health Ministers met on 2 September 2022 and discussed concerns regarding cosmetic surgery, especially the risks to consumers.
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